I am using it on a third pay pump, I left the adaptor on the pump fitting for 24 hours and it split it down the centre. It still works, but I have to put the adaptor into the valve and then put the pump fitting into it.
The product is of good quality overall. I'm willing to buy again next time, and I recommend buying it as a set with glue.
Fits my older Innova perfectly and was just what I wanted to put on the kayak. Waiting for a nice day to see how it improves tracking. Prompt and friendly service from Hike 48.
After seeing an online review of this fin applied to an Itiwit x500 inflatable kayak, I first ordered the fin and then the holder when I realized that the fin didn't include it. I used Seamax marine glue.
Attaching the holder to the kayak was easy, and the bond remains very strong after several uses. Sliding the fin into the holder required a rubber mallet at first, but it gets a little easier with each insertion. I don't carry the mallet, but I still need something like my kayak seat to hammer the fin into position and to remove it (after deflating the boat). Hopefully, the fit won't become too loose with time. Some reviews complain of losing the fin in the water, but despite snagging, I can't imagine it coming loose with the boat inflated at this point.
The kayak must be deflated to insert or remove the fin, so I don't leave it on the boat, and I don't always want it anyway. It improves tracking substantially, but it can snag submerged trees and limbs or even the bottom in very shallow water. The kayak sits high in the water and only needs a few inches of clearance. The fin adds another five inches.
In the Okefenokee swamp, the fin snagged often enough that I eventually removed it, but tracking is rarely an issue in the swamp's narrow canals anyway. For deeper water on lakes and rivers, the fin improves tracking a lot. I've snagged submerged trees on the Oconee River, but in high wind or current, the tradeoff is worth it. Without it, I must paddle continually to stay on course. With it, I can relax for dozens of feet before drifting significantly off course.
Aloha, The tracking fin is an essential part of the Seawave’s ability to track a straight line. Make sure you don’t leave it behind or lose it! Mahalo to Hike 48 for shipping out the Tracking Fin quickly so we could continue enjoying our stateside vacation! David and Jennifer Meyer
The seat is perfect to allow 3 people in our Palava and Hike 48 was great to deal with.
We have only used the boat once. It is light weight and tall so you don't have to bend over as much to pump. These features also make it a little tippy.
I bought the Solar to get my wife and at the time one kid out of the house during covid. We have used it countless times over the years on lakes of all sizes. We now have two kids and can fit the whole family (Me, Wife, 2 kids) plus some gear no problem.
This is the only place I could find that has this replacement fin. It did cost a lot getting it shipped to Hawaii though.
Fin falls off regularly on solar 410 c. You need to make a leash or something for these. They fall off and sink to the bottom. 3rd one I've replaced in 2 years.
I am originally from CZE and finding out that we can buy this amazing boat here in CA was a very nice surprise. The shipping was fast and everything arrived safely.
Palava is a really good canoe, tested on class2+ rapids. Easy to inflate, easy to handle, and easy to carry.
Used this pump for Palava, I was able to inflate it in a couple of minutes - easy handling and storing.
The Rush 1 is a very well made and fun to use kayak. I do recommend picking up the removable deck as well as it adds a lot to the versatility. It is very stable and moves well through the water at the same time. The online buying experience with Hike 48 was also excellent. Great communication and fast shipping to the US.
From what I've read, this bayonet valve has not been made since the mid 2000s. Without it, my inflatable kayak would have been worthless, or at least have cost much more to fix. Thanks to you having the valve on hand, I was able to fix my leaky valve myself. Thank you!
I bought my Kayak from them. And I just bought an accessory. I'm glad this company exists in Canada, and long live the GUMOTEX brand!
Fast delivery and always good advice!
I have used other Gumotex boats in the past and find the Rush II to be the best yet. I use it both in fresh and salt water both in US and Europe. The drop stitch bottom makes for a stable and fast boat, nearly like a hardshell kayak, but with much less weight and ability to transport easily, even by plane. Just paddle this boat in the Vogalonga in Venice (s. Youtube video at 3 min.) . One observation: the black color gets very hot in the sun and seems to loose its shine after use in salt water.
Good follow up on order for replacement part, good communication, and got part I needed a week earlier than expected.